Trek Notes - New Zealand

Abel Tasman Coastal Track

Abel Tasman Coastal Track- 3 days

General InformationThe Abel Tasman Coastal Track is the jewel of the 'Great Walks' of New Zealand. This magnificent coastline, with many sandy bays and secluded beaches enchants all who visit. It extends from Marahau, about one hour drive north of Nelson, to Golden Bay, about 51 km later. The combination of dreamlike beaches, native forest and tidal estuaries and the possibility of seeing a variety of animals like penguins, dolphins, seals and New Zealand birds make this track the highlight of any trip to New Zealand.

The temperature is never extreme, with around 25 C in summer and 15 C in winter. The region enjoys some of the best weather in New Zealand with about 2500 hours of sunshine each year.

There are lots of opportunities for swimming, relaxing in the sun, or visiting waterfalls and historic sites; a great all round experience.

Trips range from day walks to the full 5-day track, to give you the flexibility to enjoy this spectacular area. We take three leisurely days to cover the essence of the track from Marahau to Awaroa. We use the water taxi service to carry the packs and food, so all you carry is a daypack.

Travel InformationYou will be met in Nelson or MotuekaTransport to and from the trackThe services of a trained and experienced guide

Grade: Easy

Accommodation & MealsFood is supplied, carried and cooked for you.Accommodation is in the Department of Conservation huts with guaranteed bed space, and if huts are full, or if you prefer, we will camp. We supply and organise the tents. Walks are available all year round.

ItineraryDay 1 (4 hours): Marahau to AnchorageDepart Nelson and drive across the Waimea Plains, through Motueka, arriving at Marahau at the start of the Abel Tasman Track. From the car park, the track crosses a causeway and passes gradually from dry bracken ridges to an area of beautifully bushed gullies and headlands with ever changing views of the Astrolabe Roadstead and Adele Island. A small climb and then the track drops down to beautiful Anchorage Bay Hut (24 bunks) where we stay for the night.

Day 2 (4 hours): Anchorage to Bark BayAfter breakfast we cross the estuary if it is low tide, or take the longer bush route if the tide is in. There is a short diversion to visit the delightful Cleopatra's Pool, and then we return to the main track. The walk here is mainly in the bush with glimpses of the coast, eventually dropping down to Bark Bay Hut (25 bunks) for the night.

Day 3 (4 hours): Bark Bay to AwaroaWe cross Bark Bay estuary, or follow the bush route if the tide is in, then climb steeply to a saddle, far from the sounds of the sea. We return to the shore at Tonga Quarry with views of Tonga Island then on to Onetahuti Beach, where once again the route is affected by the tides. Then over the Tonga Saddle and down to the beautiful Awaroa Lodge for a plunger coffee with croissant or nachos, before we are picked up by the Water Taxi at 3.00pm to be delivered back to Marahau and our return to Motueka or Nelson.

IncludedThe services of a trained and experienced guideWe supply, carry and cook the foodYou only carry a day pack Transportation of sleeping bag and clothesHut passes and bookingsWater taxi tripSouvenir map